Intel Science Talent Search 2013 Unveils 300 U.S. High School Seniors as Semifinalists

Intel Science Talent Search 2013 Unveils 300 U.S. High School Seniors as Semifinalists

WHEN: Noon PST, Jan. 9

WHAT: Three-hundred high school seniors will be named semifinalistsin the Intel Science Talent Search 2013, a program of Society for Science & the Public. Visit www.societyforscience.org/sts at noon PST for a list of semifinalists in your area.

As the nation’s oldest and most prestigious pre-college science competition, the Intel Science Talent Search brings together the best and brightest young scientific minds in the United Statesto compete for $1.25 million in awards. Each semifinalist receives a $1,000 award from the Intel Foundation with an additional $1,000 going to his or her school, resulting in $600,000 in total semifinalist awards.

WHO: Semifinalists were selected from more than 1,700 entrants and hail from 190 high schools in more than 30 states and one American high school overseas. For a list of semifinalists, where they are from and what their research entails, visit the above link after noon PST on Jan. 9.

NEXT STEPS: On Jan. 23, 40 of the 300 semifinalists will be named as finalists. They will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. from March 7-13. There, they will compete for $630,000 in awards provided by the Intel Foundation. Each finalist receives at least $7,500. Winners will be selected based on rigorous judging sessions and announced at a black-tie gala awards ceremony at the National Building Museum on March 12. The top award is $100,000; the remaining top 10 winners will receive awards totaling $305,000.

QUOTES: “Each year, the Intel Science Talent Search honors high school seniors poised to lead in U.S. scientific innovation,” said Wendy Hawkins, executive director of the Intel Foundation. “This year, these young scientists are tackling some of the world’s greatest challenges in topics ranging from environmental conservation solutions to medical treatments.”

“The 300 Intel Science Talent Search 2013 semifinalists have distinguished themselves as the nation’s top, young scientists dedicated to independent hands-on research in the science, technology, engineering and math fields,” said Elizabeth Marincola, president of Society for Science & the Public. “Together with Intel, we congratulate these exceptional students, look forward to watching their future progress, and commend the mentors, teachers, schools, parents and communities that have contributed to their success.”

This is the first year that Intel Science Talent Search entrants, semifinalists and finalists will receive digital badges recognizing and rewarding their achievements in independent scientific and engineering research. Digital badges promote informal modes of education and provide recognition and credentialing for achievements beyond the classroom. Learn more about the badging initiative at http://badging.societyforscience.org.

Over 70 years, more than 146,000 students from U.S. high schools in all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and many territories have submitted independent research projects forthe Science Talent Search. 2013 marks Intel's 15th year sponsoring this competition.

In the past, the young innovators chosen to participate in the Science Talent Search have received some of the world's most prestigious honors. For example, Science Talent Search alumni have gone on to win seven Nobel Prizes, two Fields Medals, five National Medals of Science, 11 MacArthur Foundation Fellowships and even an Academy Award for Best Actress.

Over the past decade alone, Intel and the Intel Foundation have invested more than $1 billion, and Intel employees have donated close to 3 million hours toward improving education in more than 60 countries. To get the latest Intel education news, visit www.intel.com/newsroom/education, and join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.

Society for Science & the Public (SSP), the nonprofit organization dedicated to public engagement in scientific research and education, has owned and administered the Science Talent Search since its inception in 1942. To learn more about SSP, visit www.societyforscience.org, and follow SSP on Facebook and Twitter.